Odisha teacher accused of drawing two pensions, gratuity twice; probe ordered

A retired government school teacher in Gajapati district has been found allegedly receiving pension benefits from two separate treasury offices and withdrawing gratuity amounts twice after retirement. The man has been identified as Radhakrushna Acharya, a retired teacher of Betarsing Government Upper Primary School under Mohana block. 

Taking into account this alleged financial irregularity, the Odisha Controller of Accounts has directed a formal inquiry into the matter and sought a detailed report from the Block Education Officer (BEO) of Mohana.

Official records indicate that Acharya retired from service on September 30, 2010. Following his retirement, the then Mohana Block Development Officer (BDO) recommended his name to the District Inspector of Schools (DI) for the sanction of pension.

Second Pension Sanction Alleged In 2011

According to documents cited in the complaint, after the pension was sanctioned in 2010, a second recommendation for a pension in Acharya’s name was allegedly made in 2011 by the then BDO to the DI.

As a result, the retired teacher is alleged to have received pension payments simultaneously from two treasury offices of the R. Udayagiri Treasury Office and the Berhampur Central Treasury Office. Sources reported that this duplication continued without detection for years.

Gratuity Withdrawn Twice, Records Show

Apart from the alleged dual pension, Acharya also stands accused of withdrawing gratuity benefits twice from the government exchequer. As per available records, he received Rs 2,36,735 as gratuity in 2010, followed by another withdrawal of Rs 2,40,735 in 2012.

Before retirement, Acharya served as the headmaster of Betarsing Government Upper Primary School. He was also attached to the Mohana block office, where he reportedly functioned in a clerical role.

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Controller Of Accounts Orders Inquiry

After the matter came to light, the Odisha Controller of Accounts directed the Mohana Block Education Officer to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report at the earliest. The probe will examine the circumstances under which duplicate pension sanctions were issued and how payments from two treasuries were processed.

Confirming the development, Narendra Behera, Block Education Officer, Mohana, said instructions had been received to initiate the investigation.

“We received a report that Radhakrushna Acharya was receiving two pensions. Instruction has been received to initiate a probe at the Mohana BEO and block offices. All steps necessary for recovery of the excess funds will be undertaken by the government,” Behera said.

According to sources, Acharya has acknowledged the issue, stating that the excess pension amounts were credited without his knowledge. He has claimed that after becoming aware of the deposits, he informed the authorities in writing.